Plateau Crisis Escalates: University of Jos Orders Immediate Evacuation of Students From Hostels

In response to the rapidly deteriorating security situation in Jos, Plateau State, the management of the University of Jos (UNIJOS) has ordered the immediate evacuation of all students from its campus hostels.

The urgent directive was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, by the university’s Deputy Registrar for Information and Public Relations, Emmanuel Madugu.

The decision follows fresh waves of unrest that struck areas near the university, severely heightening tensions and threatening the safety of the student population.

“In view of the general security situation in Jos, and particularly the near chaotic scenarios that unfolded today (Wednesday, 1st April 2026) in areas near the university which heightened tensions and threatened the safety of students in the hostels, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, has directed the immediate evacuation of students of the university from the hostels,” the statement read.

According to the university management, the evacuation is being heavily supported by the Plateau State Government. Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has provided dedicated transport services authorized to operate and securely convey students even during the active curfew hours.

The university outlined a phased evacuation process: students residing within Jos and its immediate environs were ordered to vacate the hostels starting at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, while those whose parents or guardians live outside Plateau State are scheduled for evacuation beginning at 8:00 am on Thursday.

Madugu reassured the university community that adequate security personnel have been deployed to safeguard both the hostels and the entire institution, urging students and staff to remain calm as further updates are communicated.

The emergency evacuation comes on the heels of a deadly attack on the Angwan Rukuba community over the weekend, which claimed at least 28 lives and sparked widespread tension. Following the massacre, the state government had imposed a strict 48-hour curfew in Jos North Local Government Area.

The curfew was briefly relaxed on Wednesday to allow movement between 7:00 am and 3:00 pm.

However, hoodlums allegedly hijacked the window of relaxed movement to attack motorists and vulnerable residents, triggering fresh panic across the city and compelling the university’s swift evacuation order.